WINONA, Minn. – Winona State University returns to Altra Federal Credit Union Stadium for Senior Day in its final home game of the 2019 campaign. Kickoff between the Warriors and Augusta Vikings is set for 1 p.m. on Saturday. Game Day Experience opens at 11 a.m.
Augie has won three of the last five head-to-head meetings, but WSU has won back-to-back matchups. Two of the Warrior losses have come by one point each.
Ranked No. 7 and No. 9 in Super Region Four, respectively, Augustana University and WSU will clash for pivotal playoff positioning with next week slated as the end of the regular season. Augie last reached the NCAA DII Playoffs in 2015 while Winona State hosted an opening round game in 2017.
Notes
REGIONAL ROUNDUP: Super Region Four is comprised of 41 teams from the NSIC, RMAC, LSC and GNAC. The NSIC currently has four teams ranked: No. 2 Minnesota State, No. 7 Augustana, No. 8 Sioux Falls and No. 9 WSU. Minnesota State travels to Sioux Falls on Saturday for another important matchup which will also help shape next week's final ranking. The top seven teams in each Super Region qualifying for the NCAA Playoffs with the No. 1-seed earning a first round bye. The NCAA DII Selection Show will air on Sunday, Nov. 17.
SCOUTING AUGIE: The Vikings (7-2) have won four straight, two in blowout fashion and the other two by the slimmest of margins. Their win streak began with a 16-13 overtime win vs. St. Cloud and continued last week with a 21-20 comeback victory over CSP thanks to a last-minute TD. In between those close affairs, the Vikings downed MSU Moorhead and Minot State by a combined score of 99-6. Statistically, the Vikings and Warriors are as even as it gets. Winona State ranks fourth in the NSIC in scoring offense (29.6 ppg) and Augie is fifth (29.0); AU is second in scoring defense (12.9) and WSU is fourth (16.3); WSU is fourth in total offense (370.4 ypg) and AU is sixth (365.8); AU is fourth in total defense (282.7) and WSU is ninth (358.9); AU ranks second in the country in turnovers gained (26) and WSU is 13th (21). Kyle Saddler ranks second in the NSIC in passing yards/game (221.1) and has thrown 11 TDs with 7 INTs. WSU ranks fourth in the country in interceptions (17). Running back Jarod Epperson is averaging 71 yards/game and has six rushing TDs.
STREAK NOTES: Winona State's five-game winning streak is its longest since opening the 2017 season with eight straight victories. During this stretch, the Warriors are outscoring their opponents, 188-73. The Warrior defense has blanked the opposition in eight quarters and produced 12 takeaways. Owen Burke has averaged 192.2 ypg with eight TDs and just three INTs. Jake Balliu has caught 19 passes for 307 yards and five TDs.
POUND THE ROCK: Since taking over as the lead back after Week 1, Sam Santiago-Lloyd has emerged as one of the best running backs in not only the league but the entire country. The junior's career-high 950 rushing yards rank 15th among all Division II players and his 105.6 ypg are 18th. The bruising back ranks second in the NSIC in yards/game and third in rushing TDs (8). Santiago-Lloyd has rushed for at least 100 yards four times this year and in three straight games. He has averaged 157.3 ypg over the last three.
SACK LUNCH: Despite not forcing a turnover for the first time this season, the Warrior defense still left their mark on last week's decisive 41-13 win at SMSU. The swarming unit racked up a season-high seven sacks led by NSIC South Defensive Player of the Year, Nick Pridgeon. The senior captain was named the NSIC Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts which included 12 tackles (6 solo), 2.5 TFL and 1.5 sacks.
SENIOR SEND OFF: Prior to Saturday's game, Winona State will recognize its 2019 Senior Class. The four-year members of that class have posted a 33-10 record to date, including an 18-4 mark at home. Warrior seniors include: Chris Adams, Jonny Chamberlain, Jalen Crum, Tanner Gran, Jack De Groot, Jorgen Erickson, Alex Evans, Romario Gayle, Adrian Harmsen, Landon Jacobson, Joel Miller, Cole Monckton, Paul Ortiz, Quinton Reed, John Rumpza, Nick Pridgeon, Connor Schulz, David Smith and Noel Winch.
